Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

Lawrence M. Cohen, M.D. specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for men who are suffering from hormonal decline as they age. Men suffer from hormonal imbalances just like woman do. However, unlike women, middle-aged men do not experience a complete and permanent physiological shutting down of their reproductive system as a normal event. Men’s testosterone levels steadily decline after about the age of 25, but because it is a slow and gradual decline, many men do not realize how much they have lost. Most men don’t give their hormone levels much thought. However, as hormone levels begin dropping dramatically during their 40s and 50s, the effects can no longer be ignored or shrugged off. When this change occurs men put tend to it down to being “burnt out at work”, having a “mid-life crisis” or “just getting old”.

Growing older is hard enough for men without having to needlessly suffer from declines in testosterone hormone levels. This is called Andropause or the male menopause, as the aging process and symptoms are similar to the symptoms woman experience during perimenopause and menopause. The difference for men is that the decline in hormones is not as sharp and sudden as a women’s decline during menopause. They may not feel drastic physical changes but instead they experience small dips in their energy level, stamina, mental function, and sense of well being among other things.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 4 to 5 million American men may suffer from low testosterone, but only 5% are currently treated. What about the remaining 95%? Could you be one of them?

Lawrence M. Cohen, M.D. provide personalized, medically supervised natural hormone replacement therapy programs for men, as well as customized fitness and nutrition programs for men suffering from hormonal imbalance. Doctor Cohen provides a natural treatment for the symptoms of andropause, helping men regain their health, strength, and confidence.

Common Andropause Symptoms may include:

Depression

Often men never suspect that there may be a medical root to the depression they feel. Waning testosterone levels can affect brain chemistry and lead to depression; however, balancing hormone levels can help men to feel more content and reduce depression.

Mood Issues

Commonly, men suffering from andropause will have mood issues such as irritability and anger related issues. Falling testosterone levels can lead to mood changes that occur because lower testosterone can cause men to have a reduced amount of the neurotransmitter GABA, which emits feelings of calmness.

Hot Flashes

Men will get hot flashes just like women who suffer from menopause, and they may also experience flushes or cold chills. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, and hormones signal the hypothalamus in order to regulate body temperature. When hormones decline, the hypothalamus may receive mixed signals, which can cause temperature fluctuations in the body. Balancing hormones can reduce hot flashes and help to regulate temperature.

Sweating

Spontaneous sweating or night sweats is another sign of male hormone decline, and this is because reduced hormone levels cause the hypothalamus to receive mixed signals, which causes irregularities in body temperature.

Fatigue

Fatigue can often feel like a part of life, so this is one of the andropause symptoms, which often goes unnoticed and unreported. Reduced hormone levels can reduce metabolism, which causes a slower extraction of energy from cells. This can lead to ongoing fatigue; however, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help men to balance hormones and have more energy.

Concentration Issues

Much like fatigue, problems with concentration can seem like a byproduct of day-to-day life and stress. However, hormones help to keep memory and brain functions sharp, and when they decline, concentration issues can occur. Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can improve concentration and memory.

General Body Aches and Pains

Those experiencing andropause will likely never suspect that their aches and pains could be associated with low testosterone. However, testosterone influences the activation of pain receptors and reduced testosterone can increase inflammation. Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can reduce inflammation and decrease overall pain.

Sleep Problems

Hormones help to set sleeping cycles, and lower levels of hormones can cause men to experience issues staying or falling asleep and cause them to wake up early in the morning and be unable to fall back asleep. Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help men to improve sleep and reduce insomnia.

Erectile Dysfunction

Hormones govern sexual function, and a common symptom of hormone decline is sexual dysfunction. Replenishing hormones to healthy levels can help men to have healthier sexual function and improve libido. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has helped men to improve their health and regain sexual desire and function.

Increase Body Fat

Men that have reduced testosterone levels often have a rise in estrogen levels, which is a hormone that further suppresses testosterone. Higher levels of estrogen can increase body fat, and suppressed testosterone continues to reduce metabolism and cause rises in estrogen. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can break this cycle and help men to lose body fat and promote a leaner appearance.

Osteoporosis

Reduced hormone levels can lead to brittle, more breakable bones and a loss of height. Restoring hormones to healthier levels can help bone cells to replace bone and increase bone strength, which can prevent broken bones and age related shrinking.

The Progressive Medical Center of San Antonio’ Comprehensive Male Hormone Replacement Program includes:

Thorough Analysis of Laboratory Results, Symptoms, and a review of Medical, Family, and Personal history

To determine men’s hormonal needs, the hormone specialists Lawrence M. Cohen, M.D. will thoroughly evaluate symptoms using state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, such as saliva, urine, or blood tests to determine hormone levels and unique bioidentical hormonal needs. After starting bioidentical hormone therapy, the physician will monitor and re-evaluate hormone levels to insure that they are maintained at their optimum balance.

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones for Men include:

Increased energy and vitality

Cardiovascular benefits

Reduced depression and anxiety

Better sleep

Improved muscle tone

Reduced insulin resistance

Increased libido and sexual function

Weight loss and improved fitness

Improved mood and quality of life

Personalized treatment and careful monitoring by Doctor Cohen, he can alleviate or even eliminate many of the symptoms of testosterone imbalance and other hormone imbalances as well, making men feel younger, stronger, and more energetic, no matter what their age is. Men will be surprised at how quickly they can restore hormones to optimal levels with the right support. In just weeks, the men we’ve worked with report looking, feeling, and living better, free of the symptoms that used to haunt them.

San Antonio Andropause and Male Menopause Doctor, Lawrence M. Cohen, M.D. will provide men with detailed safety information, answer all their questions, and discuss any concerns they may have. They will listen carefully to the patient’s description of symptoms, and will give them information about symptoms and hormone testing.

Lawrence M. Cohen, M.D. will give men all the general guidance they need throughout the process, because they believe strongly that men need to be fully informed before making any decisions and taking active charge of their health as they grow older.